Thread advancing reel



Oct. 15, 1940- s. P. TORRENCE ET A L I f THREAD ADVANCING REEL 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.

l'snventors GEORGE P. TORRENCE RICHARD F. BERGMANN WALTER. F. KNEBUSCH Filed Dec, 27, .1958

THREAD ADVANCING REEL Filed Dec. 27, 195s 5 sheets-sheet 2 Snventors GEORGE P. TORRENCE FIB 5 RICHARD F. BERGMANN Bg WALTER F. KNEBUSCH m (Ittorneg 0d. l5, 1940 G. 'roRRENcE-ETAL 2,217,716

THREAD ADVANCING REEL Filed Dec. 27, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Summers GEORGE P. "'ORRENCE RICHARD F. BERGMANN WALTER F KNEBUSCH lf2 BY 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sno-ntors' GEORGE P. TORRENCE RICHARD E BRGMANN j WALTER F. KNEBUSCH w .(ttorueg oef, 15, 1940.

G. P. TORRENCEl El' AL THREAD ADVANCING REEL Filed Deo. 27, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Oct. 15, A1940 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE THREAD AnvANomG REEL tion of Delaware 'l Application December 27, 1938, Serial-No. 247,800

22 Claims. (Cl. 242-53) 'I'he present invention relates to improvements in devices, such as reels, for advancing thread or the like, hereinafter referred to as thread, in a series of spaced, generally helical turns.

6 While such devices may be employed for various purposes, they may be used to especial advantage in continuous processing operations, wherein they lend themselves to employment for continuously but temporarily storing relatively'long lengths of 10 thread. In particular, the invention provides improvements in such devices resulting in greatly reduced manufacturing costs, maintenance costs, and costs of operation. Among other things, the

invention provides means whereby such devices 15 may be readily mounted on and -removed from the frame structure in which they are supported.v

2 Januaryl, 1933, by Walter F. Knebusch. For

tion, reels embodying the present invention will be described hereinafter as employed in apparatus for the continuous processing of thread; e. g., viscose artificial silk thread, of the type shown, described and. claimed in application Serial No. 7,114, led February 18, 1935, by Walter F. Knebusch and Alden H. Burkholder.

In the drawings, Figure 1 represents a sectional elevation, along line l-I of Figure 2, of a portion of a continuous processing machine employing reels embodying the present invention. Figure 2 is a front elevation corresponding to Figure l. Figure 3 is an end elevation'from line 3-3 of Figure 4 and on an enlarged scale of a. reel embodying the invention. Figure 4 is a sectional elevation onA an enlarged scale of a portion of the continuous processing apparatus showing in section a. reel embodying the. improvements of the present invention, the section through the apparatus as a whole being from line 4-4 of Figure 2 and the section through the reel itself being from line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is aplan oi the reel from line 5-5 of Figure 4, associated -iii) parts other than the supporting means for the 55 is a similar front elevation of the apparatus purposes of illustration, but in no sense of limitashowing the mounting means, associated appar-atus, however, having-been omitted. Figure 8 is a sectional elevation generally similar to Figure 4 showing a reel embodying the invention partly removed from its mounting means, the reel of this gure being a modication of the reel of Figure 4. Figure 9 is an elevation of another form of reel embodying the mounting means of the present invention, parts being broken away generally along line 9-9 of Figure 10. Figure 10 is -a plan of the reel of Figure 9.

In the drawings, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.' A

In the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, thread l from a suitable source is passed in sequence to a 'plurality of thread-advancing reels 2 on each of which the thread is subjected to processing treatment. In the case of viscose artificial silk thread, for instance, the thread may be subjected in sequence to desulphurizing, washing, bleaching and other. processing treatments on the several thread-advancing reels of the series.

` The illustrated apparatus is generally similar to that shown in the above-mentioned prior application Serial No. 7,114, particularly in that the apparatus as a whole comprises a plurality of adjacent downwardly extending series of threadadvancing reels each of which series operates upon a single thread. Corresponding reels of adjacent series are disposed in corresponding positions lengthwise of the machine as a whole, whereby advantages are provided in the construction of the apparatus.

The reels shown in the illustrated apparatus are of cantilever construction; that` is, each is supported and driven from one end only, having its other end unsupported. Each advances the thread toward the unsupported end of the reel in generally helical turns. Numerous advantagesl reels makes it possible to dispose them as shown Y in Figure 1 in stepped arrangement with the unsupported end oi each reel in apposite relation to the supported end of the succeeding reel, corresponding ends of all reels extending in the same direction. Such an arrangement provides numerous advantages, among them simplicity, compactness and easy accessibility for operating, inspection, and maintenance purposes.

-In the illustrated apparatus, processing liquid is supplied :to the thread on -each reel from a tube 3 which communicates with a conduit 4 extend- Vfilm traveling toward the supported end of the reel as a result of the inclination of the reel.

'I'he liquid thus applied to the thread on the reel drops oil into a collecting trough 5. Each .trough extends longitudinally beneath a plurality.of corresponding reels in adjacent series, the liquid collected by said trough being conveyed to the sewer or, if desired, recirculated. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention. the trough 5 below each horizontal series of corresponding reels is molded of hard rubber, Bakelite, or some other suitable resin. Formed integrally with it is a conduit 4 for supplying. processing liquid to the reels in the succeeding horizontal series. Each trough 5 is formed with a recess 6 below the unsupported end of each reel through which recess the thread can pass to the succeeding reel. Associated with each recess 6 is a guide 1 mounted in a slot 8 in a flanges formed integrally with trough 5.

The reels may, if desired, be supported as shown from inclined frame member II. Each of the reels in each descending processing series may be driven from an upwardly extending drive shaft I2 paralleling said inclined frame member, as, for example, by means of a gear I3 mounted on` said drive shaft I2 which meshes with a gear I4 mounted on reel drive shaft I5. 'I'he drive shafts I2 for each series of reels malr be rotatably supported from the frame member I I by bearings I6, being driven by suitable means (not shown).

'Ihe reels illustrated in the drawings as embodying the improvements of the present invention operate on the same principle as the reel shown, described and claimed in copending application Serial No. 652,089. The reel illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 comprises two rigid reelmem bers of substantially circular cross section, each having its periphery formed of a plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending bar members. The bar members I9 of reel member I1 and bar members of. reel member I8 are alternately disposed, the two reel members being mounted for rotation about axes. which are oilset from and inclined to each other.` In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the axes of the two reel members are disposed in inclined relation to each other in offset, parallel planes, so that the axes may be said to be in'skew relation.

Preferably, the spaced, longitudinally extending bar -members I9 of reel member I1 are fixed to a generally cylindrical body portion 2l, as a result of which construction great rigidity isimpartedto the reel member. Body portion 2I may be partially hollowed as shown for the purposes of reducing its weight, leaving a hub portion 22 by means of which the reel` member I1 is conoentrically mounted on reel drive shaft I5 journalled in the supporting member 23. Since reel member I1 is concentrically mounted on drive shaft I5, it may accurately be referred`to as being the cor centric reel member.

yThe other reel member I8, which may, if desired, be termed the eccentric reel member, has

its bar members 28 formed as part of a rigid,

cage-like member 24. In said cage-lIke member 24 -the bar members 28 are fixed to an internal annular reinforcing rib 25 at the unsupported end of the reel, which rib serves to impart rigidity to the bar membersl At the other end of said cage-like member 24, the bar members 20 are.

fixed to an external annular rib 26 which also imparts rigidity to the bar members and serves as a means by which the cage-like member 24 is mounted on the rotatable annular supporting member 21.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the rigid cage-like member 24 is clamped on annular supporting member 21 by means ofth.e T-head bolts 28 which pass through external annular rib 28 and the flange of said annular member 21 and are provided with nuts 28 at theback of said annular member 21. The ex- 'ternal rib. 28 is provided with a `projecting rib A flexible seal 32, which may be made of any soft rubber-like material resistant to the processing liquids and lubricants which may come into contact with it, extends between the eccentric and concentric members. The outer rim of the flexible seal 32, which may be of the cup-shaped bellows form shown, may conveniently be clamped between the front face of the ange portion 33 on annular supporting member 21 and theshoulders 34 on bar members 20 of cage member 24'. It may be provided with one or more annular ridges 35 to aid in providing an impervious joint at this point, a suitableannular ring or washer 3I being provided between the rim of the seal 32 and the shoulders 34 on the bar members of the cage-like member 24 to equalize the pressure on the sealing means.A 'I'he other end of the seal 32 is shown as mounted on the hub portion 22 of the concentric member, a suitable spring ring 36 being provided to clamp it in place.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, inclusive, the annular supporting member 21 disposed at the rear of the reel is provided with a. longitudinally extending hub portion 31 having a` bore therethrough surrounding the member 23 which supports the reel. The supporting member 23 of the reel of these iigures is provided with a longitudinally projecting hub portion 38 adapted to accommodate thereon the inner races of antifriction bearings 39 and 40 disposed for rotation about a common .axis offset from and inclined in the desired relation to the axis `of the drive shaft I5.- The external surface f said projecting portion 38 may be of substantially cylindrical form throughout its length and4 may, asl shown, be provided. with raisedportions 4I which may be ground to fit the inner races of the bearings 39 and 40 which may be passed over the end of supporting member 23 in assembly. The outer races of said spaced antif friction bearings 38 and 40 are concentrically.

bearing 39 is located vbetween a shoulder on supporting member 23 and a shoulder 42 in .thehub portion 31. A collar 43, provided with a set screw 44, is mounted at the unsupported end of member 23 to. locate the other antifriction bearing 40 against shoulder 45 in annular supporting member 21. Thus the eccentric member I8 is rotatably mounted on and accurately located lengthwise of the supporting member 23. i

In this embodiment of the invention, the reel drive shaft I is journalled in supporting member 23 by antifriction bearings 46 and a bearing 41 at the unsupported end of said supporting member. In order to make it possible to use bearings of as small a-size as practicable, since the ,cost of such bearings increases with the size thereof, the rear bearing 4B is disposed in supporting member 23 outside the limits of the hub portion 31 of the eccentric reel member as' ing, such as graphite bronze, since under such circumstances it is not necessary to provide special lubricating means. In the embodiment of the invention shown in this figure, suitable collars 4S and 56 are mounted on said shaft, as by means of set screws, to locate shaft I5 endwise with respect to the supporting member 23.

The antifriction bearings illustrated are ball bearings of the self-lubricated type, being packed with lubricant when the reel is assembled. This is advantageous since thus the necessity for providing a separate lubricating system for the bear' ings is obviated. It has been found that such a lubricating system would considerably increase the cost of construction and maintenance of the machine. For instance, such a lubricating system .would require lubricant passages in the supporting member 2/3, which in itself would 'increase the cost of construction of the reel, and would necessitate the employment of larger and considerably more costly bearings 39 and 40, due to the fact that it would be necessary to make the projecting portion 38 of the supporting member 23 of a largerdiameter to provide space for such lubricant passages.

Moreover, the antifriction bearings may be of the self-sealed type shown. In the .illustrated reels, for instance, the rear antifrictionbearing 39 supporting the eccentric reel member is sealed on the side thereof facing the rear end -of the .hub portion 31, while the other antifriction bearing 40 supporting the eccentricreel member is sealed on the side thereof facing the unsupported end of the reel, Yso 'that in eiect the balls ofsaid antifriction bearings and the space beneed 'not be replaced .or replenished for long periods of time, if at all. Antlfriction bearing -side thereof facing the rear of the supporting -member 23, so that it and the space between it and bearing 41 may be totally. enclosed. Asupply of lubricant may also be stored inside the member 23 between these bearings, if desired, as above described. K

While each of the antifriction bearings is shown as sealed only` on one side thereof, it is obvious that it may be sealed on both sides thereof.

In the operation of the reel shown in Figures 3 to 5, inclusive, rotation of the reel drive shaft I5 causes concentric reel member I1 mounted thereon to rotate, whereupon contactof the bar members I9 of concentric lreel member I1 with bar members 20 of eccentric reel member I8 vcauses said eccentric reel member to rotate 4at the same angular speed about an axis offset rfrom and inclined to the axis of rotation of the concentric member. The concentridreel member is thus the driving reel member while the eccentric reel member is the driven reel member. During such rotation, the offset relation of the reel members causes the thread in each turn `to be transferred from the bar members of one reel member to those of the other reel member.

Simultaneously, the inclined relation of the reel memberscauses the thread turns carried by 'the reel members to travel bodily lengthwise of the reel lso that the thread isadvanced in a plurality of generally helical turns longitudinally of the reel. The amount that each thread turn advances during each revolution of the reel for a reel member of a given diameter is `determined by the'fangle of'inclinationvbetween the axes of the reel members. In the-reel of Figures 3 to 5, inclusive, for the direction of rotation indicated in Figure 3 the thread will advance ytowardthe unsupported end of the reel, which is the desirl the event the torque between the two becomes greater than a predetermined amount.

Such means may conveniently take the -form of a slip clutch 5I comprising a metallic insert 52 of polygonal cross section rigidly held in a corresponding recess in the reel member I1 by a snap ring 53 fitting into a. suitable opening in said reel member. Said insert 52 isprovided with diametrically disposed holes 54 into which,V

during driving engagement, the balls 55 which are disposed in a diametrical hole 56 in said drive shaft I5 a're forced apart by spring 51 disposed between the balls. When the, torque between the drive shaft and reel member I1 is less thana predetermined amount, the balls seat in said holes 5.4 in the insert 52 and cause reel member I1 to rotate in unison with drive shaft I5. When, however, the torque becomes greater than a predetermined amount, the balls are forced inwardly toward -each other, moving out of the holes 54, thus. permitting relative rotation between` drive shaft I5 and concentric member I1.

`The ,metallic insert V52, which, like the balls,

is of some suitable Wear-resistant metal, is formed with an internal annular race in which the .balls 55 -move when not seated in holes 54. Thus at all times, both when the balls are seated in holes 54 and when they are not in said holes but are seated in the above-mentioned annular race, the balls 55 serve to locate the concentric reel member I1 endwise on the drive shaft I5. Therefore, the clutch means 5I permits relative rotation between the drive shaft: and concentric member I1 in the event of an increase of torque beyond a pretermined amount and also servesas means for locating said concentric member lengthwise of the drive shaft.

.l Accordingly, no nut or other means is required' at the end of the drive shaft I5 to hold said concentric member on the drive shaft. Rather, the

end of said concentric member can be sealed by means of a suitable cap 80 and thus the entrance of processing liquid or other media into the interior of the reel prevented. In the illustratedembodiment of the invention, the concentric reel memberl I1, which, as above indicated,

may be formed of Bakelite, hard rubber or otherA `synthetic resin, is'provided with metallic bearing inserts 50 to prevent wear of the reel member during such." time as it is rotating with respect to drive shaft I5.

Slip clutch 5I is extremely advantageous in preventing overloading of the reel' members. In the event the torque becomes too great, the slip clutch 5I will permit slippage between the reel and its driving means. Furthermore, in startingand stopping the reel the slip clutch 5I is advantageous, since it permits the reel members to be started and stopped gradually. This is true even though the drive shaft I5 may be started or .stopped almost instantaneously, as occurs, for

instance, when a jaw clutch is employed for .con-

trolling the reel driving means.

`The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 is similar to that above described. In the reel of Figure 8, however, the front bearing 41a supporting the drive shaft I5 is of the anti-y friction type. comprising a needle bearing in which the rolls bearon the shaft. A needle bearing may advantageously be used at this point because it is of a sufficiently small external diameter to fit in the limited space available. The bearing may be of the self-lubricated type and, if desired, sealed at one or both of its ends,

preferably at the end thereof adjacent the end of supporting member 23 in which it is disposed.

In this embodiment, moreover, the rear bearing 45a supporting the drive shaft I5 serves as the means for locating the drive shaft endwise with respect to the supporting member 23. Thus as shown in Figure 8 bearing 45a is located in supporting member 23 between shoulder 53 therein anda snap ring 59 located in a groove in the supporting member. The outer race of the bearing is thus located lengthwise with respect to said supporting member. The inner race of the bearing islocated on said drive shaft I5 by means ofvcollar 5I) and snap ring 5I in a The reels shown in Figures 3 to 5, inclusiva, and Figure 8, may advantageously be assembled by first mounting the concentric member I1 on the reel d rive shaft I5, thereafter .attaching the flexible seal 32 to the hub of the member I1. 4

'I'he rotatable. annular member 21 is then mounted on its bearings 39 and 40 on the projecting portion 35 of supporting member 23. Then the shaft I5 is inserted through its bearings in said supporting member 23, after which the rear 1 collar '50 and drive gear I4 may be mounted on said shaft. The cage member24 may then be apparatus by means which permit the reel to be 2 readily removed or replaced. As shown in Figures 4, 5 an'd 8, each of the above-described reels is provided with a circular an'ge member 52 fixed to supporting member 23 outside the annular supporting `member 21. In these figures, 2 flange member 52 is disposed at the rear of member 23 and is circular in cross section, beingzof a diameter somewhat larger than that of the driving gear I4. Flange member 52 is provided on its edge with an accurate locating surface 53 3 and on its rear face with an accurate locating surface 54 and is mounted'in a-recessed cooperating member fixed to the frame of the apparatus which cooperating member may take the form of cup member 55. `3 In the apparatus shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, cup member 55 is disposed in a hole 51 formed in frame member II, being welded to the frame member II. The cup member 55 is provided at the top with aflug 80, which extends to the inclined frame member II. Filler plates 55 are provided between the bottom of cup member 55 and the lug 80 on the cup member, and the frame member II, whereby the cup member maybe accurately jig-welded into position, as shown. The cup member 55 is provided with an accurately finished internal surface 58 adapted to cooperate with the edge surface 53 'of the flange member.52. Itis also provided with .14 which bear against a tapered portion 15 -of flange member 52. Consequently, wheni the s'et screws 13 are tightened, they holdthe'ange member 52,A and consequently the reel member supported by member 23,'rmly in place. The (i lugs 12 are disposed as shown so that the set screws are accessible from the back vfjframe member II, the hole 51 being providedrat its sides with recesses .15, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, to permit insertion of a tool to manipulate the set screws. f Y 'i'.

- The cup members 55 shown may be. cast, forged or stamped from plate metal, as desired. The surfaces 55 and 5S' may be machined and the lugs l12 thereof threaded before the cups arci apparatus to t the mounting on thereel supporting member 23.

From Figures 4 to 8, inclusive.- it is apparent that by merely loosening the set screws, the. entire reel unit; i. e the reel itself, the supporting A`member 23, and the drivinggear i4, may be'removed without disassembly of the reel or of any other portions of the associated apparatus. The bevel gears I3 and I4 for driving .the reel'are so formed.

that they can be separated as shown with -n interference. This operation is illustrated in Figure 8, in which the reel is' shown as partly removed. Figure 6 shows the front ofl the apparatus illustratedin Figures 3 and 'after the reel has been removed; Figure '1, the cup member 65 as xed to frame member IL most of the associated apparatus being omitted.

The demountable mounting means above described makes it possible to remove the reel andv its associated apparatus from the` supporting means with a minimum of time and labor. I This is extremely important in commercial installau tions, such as those for the manufactureof artiiicial silk thread by a continuous process wherein tens of thousandsfof reels are employedin a single plant. According to the illustrated apparatus, each reel can be removed after loosening the two set screws, after which another reel may. if desired, be inserted in its place.A A mini- .mum of operating time of the apparatusiszlost:` indeed, reels may be removed and replaced, if

desired, without stopping the machine.v

Referring now to other parts of the apparatus shown in Figures l to 8, the collecting' troughs 5 are mounted on anged plates 11 connected, as

by a welding operation. to .frame members il.A Each plate 11 supports the trough above it and provides a flange portion 18 Ato which the lower trough is bolted, as by bolts 19. Each trough,VA

moreover, is provided with an opening in back member 8i thereof through which passes the -hub portion 31 of the reel. In -the apparatus shown.

said opening is substantially larger than said4 hub portion and in it is disposed a Acup-shaped member 82, which may be -formedo'irubber-or' other reagent-resistant material, having an annular rib 83 at the rear thereof as shown A cooperating ange 84, whichfmay beof suit-- able reagent-resistant material such as rubber, is mounted on hub member portion 31 ofthe reel within said cup member-82. -Should any processing liquid reach the rear portion of -the reel, it is prevented from passingvalong the hub 31 to the rear bearings or cup mounting by means of flange 84. 'I'he liquid which drops'or is thrown L. on said iiange during rotation .of the reel is. caught by cup member 82 and returned to the coagulating trough. In. effect, cup member 82.

and ange 8| form a labyrinth seal. j

Figures 9 and 10 show in` elevation and plan, respectively, a modified reel embodying certainl of the features of thepresent invention. As

appears more particularly from Figure 9, the rear bearing 46h for drive shaft |5b is supported in a cross member 85 xed to spaced sidemem#v bers 86 forming parts of reel supporting 'member 23h. Said side membersV 8B, which terminate at the rear of the reel in across member 81,v en- .^close dri-ving gear lut-b' mounted-.on drive shaft` leb.y lis-shown 'm Figure 'adrivo-shaft 15b `is.

.made "hollow, *being protiiefd .'w'ith an .interior tubular member .88 making possible. circulationto and from .the i nteriorof the reel of a' heating .medium for drying the thread onth'e reel, vwhich v `for such purposes is preferablymade of metal.

'Cross member v131 forming part'of frame/mem;v

Upon cross -memberjfl is mountedgmember' 89 |56 and :with lateral pipe" 9.5, suitable 4sealing means -96 being vprovii'ie'dto prevent theescape of mediumjpast drive shaft `|51). Lateral' pipes 3 and 95 'supply and remove'thehea'ting. circulated Vthrough `the reel.l 5 The' supporting lmember 23h, side members B6,

cross member 81 supporting'the seal housing `89,v andmember'85 carryingthe bearing 46h v are formed as a unitary structure as shown in Figures -91and 10, beingpreferably castin one piece. vThis. feature of theinventi'on provides a' rigid support .for fthe reel, for the sealingmeansin member 8 9, andvfor the drive gear Mb. All of the stated parts are therebym'aintained in'jv` the desired ace vmiraterelationship to each lotl'1e r',"`in addition to which theymay. be readily attached to 'anddetachedjfrom the frame of "the'machine, l' In this embodiment of the invention; Vthe reel supportingmember.` 23h is provided with a flange portion '32h seating. in cup member 65h which is Axedto the frame ofthe apparatus. Saidcup member 65h is'r provided ywith an'opening -1|b ofsaidcup member 65h.- .Said cup member 65h 'is urtherprovidedwithashoulder 10b having a locating-surface '69h thereonv against which bearsthe-surface 64b-,of flange `member 62b,.which. is'of, v'a diameter' larger than thelargest dimension of the apparatus passing through said' cup member andlarger than the diameter'of hole 1| b..

1 Flange member' B2b is4 provided. with accurately dimensioned edge v(i312 cooperating with an internal surfacevlib. in cup member 65h to;locate the assemblyasa-whole.

f in thepreviously vdescribed embodiment of .'.thfe "invention, set screws 13b are. threaded into vlugs 12b at the sides of the reel .to hold the flange members: 62hin the cup member 65h.' The f points of the'vset screws13bare frusto-concal.' in' 'sha'pe, as shown, ior the Apurpose-of cooperating with a tapered surface 15b `on flange member 62h in 'order' to' holdsaid angemember firmly in Aplacewhen the set screws are tightened. Tore- ',movefthe 'entire' reel assembly shown in'these iigures, it is merely necessary to disconnect the lpipes V93].and i 9 5 andl loosen set screws 13b, after which jthezreel itself, supporting member 23o, side members 288' and-"the portions vof the apparatus supported thereby can be removed from-.the frame of the'machine.'

'. From the foregoing it is apparentthat'gthe inven tion'-"malres possible threadadvancing reels which,l @because .of `the employment of antifriction vbearir`1'gs,re'quire a very small vamount of power,

which require very little, if any, ymaintenance,

'ber zsh is .provided wana vbore-for shaft 1511.

' providing the connections fonsupplying and re.- moving-the heating medium` from the interior 'ofv the reel. Member'89 is divided into .two compartments 9.| and92, with theformer of which -communicate tubular member 88 and lateral pipe 93. fSuitable sealing means!!! `prevent the passage ofstheheating medium except through tubular member`88. 'The other compartiment-, '.92y communicates withthe interior-of drive vshaftY therethrough which is'of a diameter largefenough I to permitthe passage of all of the apparatus back lthe apparatus. 'I he thread-advancing 'reels' of vthe present invention therefore greatly reduce the cooperating recessed memberon the irameof' porting member on said frame" member-so. that said cooperating shoulderiis .received in .saidreey Y ber-and locating means in said recess adapted to tachablyin place on' said. frame-member the'f'end which. readily'removed 'andfplaced in maintenance costsjas compared with prior reels.`

, The latter factor isextremelyiimportant in'. .view :.of the-,great numbers thread-advancing reels :f

employed in the manufacture of. thread; such artificial silk thread. by. v the -s-'called continuous process;jin which'such; threadgadvanci'ngreels are particularly useful."` 1' n is apparentv manne aboyefdesnbed einbodi- Y mentsofthe invention'areillustrative only..` and. that various modifications. maylbe'fmade therein`.

without .departing in way fromthe Vspirit loi' the invention. For .f'examplef-while the flangel portions by-means-of which the reels are mounted the apparatus :may 'bel characterized by" coniiguv rations.: other than circulan-I Numerous other 4modiiica-tionsmay be made'- in 'the illustrated embodimentsof theinvention. L .1

Intheappended claims,} e term threadi is intended toinclude`.besides .thread per se, ,all-

v other. material capableofA beingadvanced 'by de` f vices Yoi! the type to which the' invention f It is .not intended to restrict the invention as de, lined in the claims to devicesior handling-thread. in the ordinarysenseofthe .B'it-fthrfeixi'- handling apparatus iS meant. inter alla, appara-I* Y v6. Apparatus comprising a thread-advancing `thread store device; a supporting member carwu-.hout reels, as theicontext may-reduire.

It' is intended thatthe-patent shall. c ov er, by suitable expression inthe `appended claims, what#` ever features of patentable novelty. reside inthe` ftransverse shoulder thereon; a frame member having a recess therein adapted to receive said invention. .Whatis claimed is.: .f j.

Iadvancingelement rotatably carriedrby said supporting-member; one"` of said membersl having a transverse shoulder. thereon andthe other having.

therein la cooperating vrecess adapted to receive said shoulder; saldftransverse .shoulder and-said. v'cooperating recess encompassing "said'. supporting member when itis in place on said 'frame memiixed to' and .extending transversely of said supporting member; a frame member having a reber; and means fior detachably .holding said sup-- porting memberrfa thread-advancing thread. store. device'rotatably mounted at one end of said supporting member, saidthread store 'device' includ= 4@thread store device; a supporting member carof said supporting member;V and alstationar'y frame member. having an opening therein large -enou h' to ermit assa eof'said drivin element 1 v g p p g g having therein'arecessinwhich the locating edge and provided with means tdhqld rigidly .but de# of said supporting member with which said driv` ing element is associated, wherebythe subassem-- sembly thereof `from said frame member. 1

3. vApparatus .-1 comprising a" supporting 'member; a rotatablemembercarried.bysald support- 'j vingmember; a projecting shaft jol'xrr'i'alled-in said supporting member; driving(` means connected to adapted vto bear against said ange member, said ioldemountably holding said ange member against. said locating means in said recess.

Apparatus comprising a rotatable member: a longitudinal supporting member carrying said rotatable member about one end thereof: 'a trans- Nversely extending ilange member iixed to said l'supportingmember intermediate'the ends thereohja. stationary'frame member having a recess therein adapted to receive said ange member and locating means in said recess adapted to bear against. said. Yil'ange member, said recess and locatingm'eans .dening an opening in said frame member suiilciently large to permit the passage of thread store device;- a supporting member for said 'threa'd.store devicehaving an external transv"verse shoulder thereon a frame member having are'cess therein adapted to receive said shoulder and-.locating means in said recess adapted to bear against .thef shoulder on said supporting niem-l be'; and means for holdingthe shoulder on said supporting member against said locating means ryingsaid thread store device having an external vs 11`o1' 1lc ler and an internally extending shoulder in said. recess adapted to bear against the shoulder on`v said supporting member; and one or more set screws threaded through the wall of said recess ,in said recess. v Y I '1a- Apparatus comprising a thread-advancing thread. store device; a supporting member carryingsai'd-thread store device; a flange member cess therein adapted to receive said flange membear against said ilangemember; and means for :demountably holding said flange member again said locating means in said recess.

8. Apparatus comprising a thread-advancing ryi'ng said thread store device comprising a transverse shoulder provided with alocatingl edge and a transverse locating surface; a frame member of'saidshoulder iits -closely and having in said recess a surface against which the transverse locating surface oi.' said shoulder on said support' ing member bears; Vand means associated with Y said 'recessed member for demountably holding said supporting member in position in said re- CSSS.

`'thread store device; a supporting member carrying said thread store device; a flange member 'ilxedto-and'extendlngtransversely of said frame .membensaid flange member being provided with the projecting portion ofsaid shaft:r atransverse a locatingjedge extending therearound and a lo.-- I

ly liange member xed to said sup- `.po rting between said rotatable member andfsaid driving means; a stationary frame mem- -berhaving'a recess therein adapted to receive said -flange member -and locating means in said recess in said Vframe membertor holding the shoulder onsaid' supporting member against the shoulder cating surface on one face of said flange member; a frame member having a recess therein in which the locating edge of said flange member closely ilts and having in said recess a surface against which the locating surface on said ange member bears; and one or more set screws threaded into said frame member through the wall of said recess engaging the other face of said ange member to hold saidange member in position.

10. Apparatus comprising a thread-advancing thread store device; a supporting member carrying said thread store device; a flange member xed to and extending transversely of said supporting member outside the limits of said thread store device, said flange member having a locating surface on one face thereof; a' part car-- ried by said supporting member and extending beyond said ilange member Vaway from said thread-advancing thread store device, said flange member being larger in atleast one cross-sectional dimension than said part; a frame mem-` ber having a recess therein adapted to receive said iiange member and locating means in said recess adapted to have bear against said locating surface on said flange member, said locating means defining an opening through said frame member suillciently large to permit the `passage of said extending part carried by said supporting member; and means for holding said flange member in said recess so that its locating surface bears against said locating means;

1l. A thread store unit which is capable of being detachably mounted on thread-handling apparatus, said thread store unit comprising a supporting member adapted to be demountably connected to said thread-handling apparatus; a cantilever thread-advancing thread store device mounted about one end of said supporting member; driving means for said device rotatably carried by said supporting member; and, connected to said driving means. a sprocket driving wheel disposed toward the other end of the supporting member and adapted to be driven from means mounted on said thread-handling apparatus.

12; A thread store unit which is capable of being detachably mounted on thread-handling apparatus, said thread store unit comprising a supporting member; a cantilever thread-advancing thread store device mounted about one end of said supporting member; a drive shaft for said thread store device journalled in said supporting member; a driving wheel for said thread store device mounted on said drive shaft adjacent the other end of said supporting member; and a -`ange member by means of which said supporting member is detachably connected to said thread-handling apparatus mounted on said supporting member between said thread store and said driving wheel, said ange member being larger in at least one cross-sectional dimension than the diameter of said driving wheel.

13. A thread store unit which is capable of being detachably mounted on thread-handling apparatus, said thread store unit comprising a supporting member; a cantilever thread-advancing thread store device mounted at one end of said supporting member; a drive shaft for said thread store device journalled in said supporting member; a driving wheel for said thread store device mounted on said drive shaft at the other end of said supporting member; and a circular flange member of a diameter larger than that of said driving wheel mounted on said supporting member between said thread store device and said driving wheel having -a locating surface facing away from said thread store device.

14. A lcup adapted to receive the flange mem ber of the supporting member of the thread store unit described in claim 13, said cup 'having a circular recess therein of such diameter that said flange member closely ts therein, an annu-e lar shoulder in said recess adapted to bear against the locating surface on said ilange member, an opening through said cup large enough topermit the passagel therethrough of the driving wheel mounted at the end of said supporting member,-

and, threaded into said cup, one or more set screws for holding said iiangefmember in the. recess in said cup with the locating surface on one face thereof against the annular shoulder in said cup.

15. A cantilever reel for advancing thread in a plurality of generally helical turns comprisinga supporting member mounted from one end only and including an enlarged portion adjacent its supported end and a reduced portion extending toward the unsupported end of said member; a shaft disposed in said supporting member and having a free end projecting therefrom; a bear' ing for said shaft in said supporting member adjacent the free end thereof; an antifriction bearing for said shaft disposed in the enlarged portion of said supporting member; spaced antifriction bearings mounted on the reduced portion of said supporting member about a common axis of' rotation offset from and inclined to the axis of said shaft; a rst reel member comprising a set 'of spaced, longitudinally extending bar members mounted coaxially with and upon said shaft; and a second reel member comprising a set of spaced, longitudinally extending bar members al'- ternately disposed with respect to those of said first reel member rotatably carried by said spaced antifriction bearings, one end of the structure defined by said reel members being unobstructed by supporting means.

16. Apparatus of the character described in claim 15 in which each of said antifriction bearings is self-lubricating and is sealed on the face thereof nearest the end of said supporting member which said antifriction bearing is nearest.

17. Apparatus of the character described in claim 15 in which the bearing in said supporting member adjacent the free end thereof is an antia plurality of generally helical turns comprising a first rigid reel member including a set of spaced, longitudinally extending bar members, said reel member being provided with a projecting hub portion at the supported end of the reel; spaced antifrictionbearings mounted in said hub portion; a longitudinally extending supporting member on which are mounted said spaced antifriction bearings, said member being supported from one end thereof only; -a shaft journalled in said supporting member with its axis offset from and inclined to the axis of rotation of said first reel member; spaced bearings. at least one of which a longitudinally extending supporting member including a projecting end portion, and a iiange portion spaced longitudinally of said supporting member from said projecting end-portion; an

antifriction bearing disposed in said flange portion; a shaft passing through the projecting end portion of said supporting member, said shaft befing journalled in said antifriction bearing; driving means connected to said shafto'n the side` of the flange member opposite the projecting end portion of said supporting member; spaced antifriction bearings mounted on the projecting end portion of said supportingmember about an axis of rotation offset from and inclined to the axis of said shaft; a rst reel member comprising a' set of spaced, longitudinally extending bar members mounted coaxially with and upon said shaft; a second reel member comprising a set of spaced, longitudinally extending bar members disposed alternately to those of said first reel member ro- `tatably carried by said spaced, antifriction bearings, one end of the structure defined by said reel members being unobstructed by supporting means; a frame member having a recess therein adapted to receive said angemembe and locat-v port; a first member, which is spaced from and extends longitudinally of the projecting end of said drive shaft, iixed to the end oi said support from which said drive shaft projects; a second member, `which spaced from said support and extends transversely of said drive shaft, iixed to said first member; anrst bearing associated with said support for' rotatably supporting said drive shaft; a second bearing, spaced from said first-mentioned bearing, carried by said first member for rotatably lsupporting said drive shaft; and, connected to said drive shaft between said support and said second member. means for rotating said drive shaft.

21. Apparatus comprising a supporting member; a thread-advancing thread store device mounted at one end oi' said supporting member, said supporting member carrying at the other end thereof a part projecting away from said thread store device, a frame member adapted to rigidly support said suppor'ting member, said frame member having an opening larg/e enough to permit passage therethrough of said projecting part when said supporting member is mounted on said frame' member; and means for detachably mounting said supporting member on said frame member comprising a transverse shoulder on one of said members adapted vto t in a corresponding recess in the other of said members.

22. Apparatus comprising a supporting member having a. transverse shoulder 'thereon adjacent one end'thereof and a part connected to said end of said supporting member projecting away from said supporting member; a threadadvancingthread store device mounted at the V CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patensno. 2,217,716. october 15, l191m. GEORGE P. TORRENCE, ET AL. It is hereby certified that error' appears in the printed specification of the abovle numbered patent requiring correction as folloNs: Page 7, first column, line 20, claim 10, `strike out "threadadvancing"; line 25, same claim, strike out theword "have"; line )4.2, claim l1, strike out "sprocket"; line 60, claim 12, after "store" insert :-device page 8, second column,

line 16,-c1aim 2-1, strike out the comma and insert insteadasemicolon; and

that the saidLetter's Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to :the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this-10th day of December, A. D. 1914.0.

- Henry Van Arsdale (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

